Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 37 | Page 12

NEWS Eaton adds to cybersecurity portfolio with dual UL and IEC product certifications Liquid Telecom to launch first 5G wholesale roaming network service in South Africa L eading pan-African telecoms group, Liquid Telecom is to launch the first 5G wholesale roaming service in South Africa. Available in all major South African cities, the latest fifth generation of mobile Internet connectivity will enable wholesale operators to create innovative, ultra-fast and scalable digital services for their customers. The 5G wholesale network will also help accelerate the evolution of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in South Africa. Reliable connectivity up to 10 times faster than 4G will allow businesses to harness trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to innovate transformative new services, increase productivity and deliver more connected customer experiences. P ower management company Eaton continues to expand its cybersecurity programme with International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) cybersecurity certifications for its Gigabit Network Card and Industrial Gateway Card. The products also comply with UL cybersecurity standards to provide advanced network protection for UPS connectivity devices. Analysts at IDC indicate that by 2025, 41.6 billion connected devices will be generating 79.4 zettabytes of data that need to be maintained and processed. The explosion of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) creates a crucial need for security. Without global cybersecurity standards, IIoT cybersecurity requirements are difficult to manage. “Cybersecurity is a critical capability and Eaton’s enterprise-wide proactive and 12 INTELLIGENTCIO consistent approach is unique in our industry,” said Michael Regelski, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Electrical Sector at Eaton. “Yet to advance IIoT security in an increasingly electrified and connected world, it is essential that industries and standards organisations address unified global cybersecurity. We’re working with UL and IEC to do just that.” The Gigabit Network Card was the first UPS network connectivity device to meet the UL standard. Now, the Gigabit Network Card and Industrial Gateway Card are also certified to the IEC 62443- 4-2 standard. These Eaton technologies make it simple to connect single-phase and three-phase UPSs, while providing cybersecurity protections for always-on power in commercial buildings, industrial facilities and large data centres. “This breakthrough 5G wholesale service will create innovation in every aspect of South African society and industry,” said Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman, Liquid Telecom. “For the first time, mobile network operators and ISPs will have open access to Liquid Telecom’s new 5G mobile network. The launch of the service also underscores Liquid Telecom’s vision to bring high-speed connectivity to everyone.” Liquid Telecom will use its 3.5GHz spectrum asset to build the 5G network and provide nationwide 5G wholesale services to the market. “This is a milestone moment for Liquid Telecom South Africa,” said Nic Rudnick, Group CEO. “Our wholesale operating partners can exploit our new ultra-fast 5G roaming network to build the next generation of communications and make innovation possible, anytime, anywhere. “5G will facilitate real-time remote collaboration, improved business efficiency and lower costs – ultimately driving growth in the South African economy.” www.intelligentcio.com